The historic San Diego Police Department headquarters, closed since 1987, reopens Monday as a spruced up, felon-free emporium with celebrity chef restaurants, San Diego centric shops and plenty of open spaces for relaxing and people watching.

"It's a pretty prime time to be opening in San Diego," said Irina Rachow, owner of Madison's boutique.

The economy is just shaky enough to give tenants the edge in negotiating leases, she said, and strong enough to engender enough competition to give landlords a chance to pick and choose the best assortment of retail and restaurant outlets.

The Headquarters at Seaport District was still closed at midweek as workers race to complete construction and stock the shops in time for the gala preview Sunday and public opening Monday.- Roger Showley

The Headquarters at Seaport District was still closed at midweek as workers race to complete construction and stock the shops in time for the gala preview Sunday and public opening Monday.

In Puesto restaurant, Eric Adler kept half a stairway in the former records department but added oversize graphics by Chor Boogie, a former San Diego artist now living in San Francisco. With seating spilling into the outside, he said the whole 100,000-square-foot development will resemble a "big patio."

The interior courtyard sports fountains, hardscape and restored elements, such as ceramic tiles and iron grill work, of the building that opened in 1939. The landscaping by Wimmer Yamada & Caughey practically serves as a showcase of low-water-using xeriscape plantings.

One of the more unusual features of the project is Simply Local Emporium, a space where about 50 local artisans will sell such things as jam, handicrafts, jewelry and clothing. Brian Beevers enlisted his father Sam's carpentry skills to convert wood from his Central Family farmstead barn into shelves and display cases.

"It's got to be a great opportunity for our merchants," Beevers said, since most would rarely have the chance to sell in a downtown mall environment.

Jennifer Gordon, spokeswoman for project developer Terramar Retail Centers of Carlsbad, said three tenants will be opening later, since construction hasn't been completed. One of the largest spaces, the former police basketball court and gymnasium, has not yet been leased.

The Headquarters at Seaport District

Location: 789 W. Harbor Drive, just north of Seaport Village at foot of Pacific Highway, downtown San Diego.Info:(619) 235-4014; theheadquarters.com.

Parking: $8/hour up to $32 maximum in Seaport Village lot; $3 for first 2 hours with $10 minimum purchase validation; valet service at north and south entrances, $10, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, $15, 3-11 p.m. evenings and all day Friday-Sunday.

Retail details: Initial opening includes four restaurants and 16 shops; Gelato Paradiso opens in December, Eddie V's restaurant in February, Bruxie sandwiches in March or April; former gym space tenant yet to be selected.